SPL Query...

Discussion in 'Hi-Fi and General Audio' started by mr cat, Oct 24, 2003.

  1. mr cat

    mr cat Member of the month

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    Hi Folks,

    Yesterday I received a new SPL meter from Cornwall Electronics...
    I had a quick test last night (I say quick as I've a mate from Cyprus over...) using various settings but the pointer never even moved...the new batterys work too!

    any tips?
    I had the volume level on my amp set around - -50-60dbs...


    cheers!
     
    mr cat, Oct 24, 2003
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  2. mr cat

    SteveC PrimaLuna is not cheese

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    If you mean a meter such as the Radio Shack from Cornwall then it reads down to 50 dB. 80 dB corresponds to conversation, 30 dB to a soft whisper, so you should be registering something. If the needle is not moving, something is not working, so I suggest you send it back.
     
    SteveC, Oct 24, 2003
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  3. mr cat

    mr cat Member of the month

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    Hi SteveC - Yeah, thats the one...I knmow that they're fragile machines, so, perhaps it got damaged in transit..? you know what the postal service is like...
    I'll check it properly over the weekend tho!

    thanks anyway!
     
    mr cat, Oct 24, 2003
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  4. mr cat

    Paul Ranson

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    If the meter moves on the battery test but doesn't move with simple handling noise when switched to the 60dB range then the device is faulty.

    Paul
     
    Paul Ranson, Oct 24, 2003
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  5. mr cat

    mr cat Member of the month

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    I don't recall it moving on the naattery test either...how much would it normally move..? right across the dial, or just a flicker..?

    cheers
     
    mr cat, Oct 24, 2003
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  6. mr cat

    Paul Ranson

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    The meter should almost fully deflect on the battery test. Mine has a red zone marked 'batt test'.

    Paul
     
    Paul Ranson, Oct 24, 2003
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  7. mr cat

    technobear Ursine Audiophile

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    Should have bought the digital one...:rolleyes:
     
    technobear, Oct 24, 2003
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  8. mr cat

    mr cat Member of the month

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    yeah, from most of the forum threads I seen, they've recommended analogue ones...hmm...
     
    mr cat, Oct 24, 2003
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  9. mr cat

    HenryT

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    I have the exact same meter...

    Now this is going to be a really silly question, but have you put a battery in? It takes a 9v (PP9) in the back - with correct polarity (not easy to mix up on a 9v connector). :)
     
    HenryT, Oct 24, 2003
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  10. mr cat

    michaelab desafinado

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    Yes - I noticed that too but couldn't think of a good reason why an analogue one was any better so I got the digital one aswell (slighty more expensive but works a treat).

    Michael.
     
    michaelab, Oct 24, 2003
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  11. mr cat

    Robbo

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    Thats a bit round earth Paul! I thought you flat earthers spent all your time listening to the music, not fiddling around with SPL meters:JPS:
     
    Robbo, Oct 24, 2003
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  12. mr cat

    Paul Ranson

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    Being concerned for little peoples ears* I bought a Tandy meter way back when there were still Tandy stores. So now I know that Ornette Coleman can do 100dBA at my sofa.

    I don't see any use of an SPL meter for setting a system up, you need analysis and more interesting test signals for that. Or just tune dem.....

    *this is a lyrical reference...

    Paul
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 24, 2003
    Paul Ranson, Oct 24, 2003
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